In this segment we look at common issues faced by an Overseas Indian Citizen when applying for regulatory Indian requirements, such as PAN. Specifically, the grey areas around acceptable PAN documents.
In spite of the guidelines and process set out by the PAN depositary(s) there still seems to be lack of clarity on the type of supporting documents required for PAN application.
To begin, using the correct form.
FORM 49AA – Overseas Indian Citizen
For an Overseas Indian Citizen applying for PAN as per the guidelines, apply using FORM 49AA. You can apply online or in paper format. Our previous article FORM 49AA provides detailed information about the form. You can read the article – FORM 49AA.
Form 49A is applicable to an Indian National only.
In the next paragraph we look at the types of PAN supporting documents.
Types of Documents Required – Overseas Indian Citizen
If you are an individual, applying on the basis of applicant type – Individual, as detailed on the depositary guidelines your application must provide supporting documents. It is on this basis that PAN is allotted.
What are the types of acceptable supporting documents for your Overseas PAN application?
There are mainly two types of supporting documents for an Overseas Indian.
- Proof of Identity,
- Proof of Address
Proof of Identity For Individuals – Overseas Indian Citizen
You would be required to submit one form of documents for POI as an Overseas Indian Citizen.
Option 1
If you select a document from this list for your POI the document will not require Attestation. You will only need to provide photocopies of the original.
- Copy of passport, or
- Copy of Person of Indian Origin (PIO) card issued by Government of India, or
- Copy of Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card issued by Government of India, Or
Option 2
If you select a document from this list for your POI the document will require Attestation.
- Copy of other national or citizenship Identification Number or Taxpayer Identification Number duly attested by “Apostille” (in respect of countries which are signatories to the Hague Convention of 1961) or by the Indian Embassy or High Commission or Consulate in the country where the applicant is located or authorised officials of overseas branches of Scheduled Banks registered in India (in prescribed format).
POI Further Considerations
Ensure that you provide all relevant page copies of your POI. Your POI should be a clear copy of the original and readable.
For example if you are a British passport holder and are providing a copy of your passport as supporting documents for your PAN application, then, ensure that you attach both pages that hold your passport particulars as well as your photograph pages.
Proof of Address For Individuals – Overseas Indian Citizen
Your Proof of Address must contain the full address as specified by you in your PAN application. You must also ensure that your name is shown in full on your proof of address. An abbreviation of your name on your POA may not be accepted.
Option 1 For
If you select a document from this list for your POA the document will not require Attestation. You will only need to provide photocopies of the original.
- Copy of Passport, or
- Copy of Person of Indian Origin (PIO) card issued by Government of India, or
- Copy of Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card issued by Government of India, or
- Copy of Bank account statement in the country of residence, or
- Copy of Non-resident External (NRE) bank account statement in India, or
- Copy of Certificate of Residence in India or Residential permit issued by the State Police Authorities, or
- Copy of Registration certificate issued by the Foreigner’s Registration Office showing Indian address, or
- Copy of Visa granted & Copy of appointment letter or contract from Indian Company & Certificate (in original) of Indian address issued by the employer.
Option 2
If you select a document from this list for your POA the document will require Attestation.
- Copy of other national or citizenship Identification Number or Taxpayer Identification Number duly attested by “Apostille” (in respect of countries which are signatories to the Hague Convention of 1961) or by the Indian Embassy or High Commission or Consulate in the country where the applicant is located or authorised officials of overseas branches of Scheduled Banks registered in India (in prescribed format) .
Note: In case Office Address (of India) is mentioned in an application made by foreign citizens, then it is mandatory to provide following documents as proof for office address in addition to any of the above residence proof: I. Copy of appointment letter/contract from Indian Company and II. Certificate (in original) of address in India of applicant issued by authorized signatory of employer on employer’s letterhead mentioning the PAN of the employer and III. Copy of PAN card for the PAN mentioned in the employer’s certificate.
Avoid Oversights & Delays
Full Name On Your Proof of Address
Let’s consider an example.
Your supporting document for your Proof of Address is a bank statement. It states your abbreviated name.
Mr. BK Indigo
Your POA document may not be acceptable to the PAN depositary.
What would be the correct format of your name on your Proof of Address?
Your full name should be stated on your bank statement.
Mr. Blue Kilo Indigo
In this case, you can request your UK bank to provide a bank statement that states your full name. The document should be certified with their official stamp in order for the PAN depositary to accept it.
Attested Documents
Where you do not have documents under the “Attestation not required” section then you can use the option of Attested documents from the documents to be submitted list.
To be clear, this means, attested by the “Apostille” (in respect of countries which are signatories to the Hague Convention of 1961), or by the Indian Embassy or High Commission or Consulate in the country where the applicant is located or authorised officials of overseas branches of Scheduled Banks registered in India.
Your attested document must also be in a specific format which is termed “prescribed format.”
To conclude, your Indian PAN is allotted on the basis of the information and supporting documents you submit. It is imperative to ensure that you submit the correct requirements.
If you require assistance in your PAN application – NRI PAN Card Application Services.
You may find our other articles on PAN helpful – 3D Secure, PAN E-Guide, What is a PAN
The above mentioned supporting documents for Overseas Indian Citizen PAN are based on the guidelines issued by the depositary Protean eGov Pune India. You can view more information on their site.
Require Assistance? If you don’t require full 1-2-1 assistance for your Overseas PAN application and are not sure on some parts of the online application. Consider using our NRI PAN Card E-Guide reviewed as excellent by our clients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Unless otherwise stated, only copies of your passport are required.
Most UK banks are cooperative. Ensure you advise them the reason for your request.
Yes you can. It is on the list of acceptable supporting documents for PAN as Proof of Address.
Yes you can find more on our POA services
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